1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Project FZR250R - 3LN6 - The Vixen Project

Discussion in 'Your 250cc Projects' started by Dave Lloyd, Feb 27, 2019.

  1. Dave Lloyd

    Dave Lloyd Active Member

    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    173
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2019
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Telco Engineer
    Location:
    Grays Point
    My Bike:
    FZR 250R 3LN6 1993
    IMG_9664.JPG

    I first saw this bike about ten years ago, being ridden by a mate. It looked great with it's bold red colour and Marlboro livery.
    Little did I know that nearly a decade later - I'd be the one bringing it back to its former glory.
    There are a lot of things going for this bike. It was last registered in 2011, but rego was not renewed in 2012. With just over just 42,000 Km on the clock, it's been in a garage collecting dust since late 2011. All through it's storage time, it has been sitting idle, neglected and not started once.
    Mechanically, It seemed sound. From the service history I was given when I picked up the bike, which covers from 2005 onwards, and the last 26,000 Km, it's always been well maintained, only had two owners, and by all accounts, has been very reliable.
    Some basic checks when I got it into my garage revealed that Coolant was still green, and only a bit of rust was apparent in the bottom of the coolant recovery tank. Engine oil and filter when emptied were surprisingly clean as well - I was starting to think that it may have been serviced just prior to it being mothballed, and a deeper analysis of the service history told me that it had done just 3,000 Km since it's last oil, filter and coolant change before put into storage... The air filter was pristine, and the fuel filter looked brand new. There was still brake fluid in both reservoirs, brake pressure held and both front and back brake pads look like they have heaps of pad left. It wasn't leaking any fluid onto my garage floor, which is always a good sign.
    The main problems were always going to be the fuel tank that rattled when empty - what looked to be what was left of a tank re-seal job gone wrong, and the carbies.. Eight years of inactivity, not being drained or prepared before storage was always going to be a challenge.
    After removing the spark plugs and pouring some engine oil in the cylinders for a day or so I felt like I was in a position to try and turn it over..
    A new battery gave the electrical system some life and amazingly, everything electrical apart from one blinker (which was disconnected) worked first go!
    With the spark plugs still out, and some rag positioned and ready to catch the ejected oil, I hit the starter button and it it turned over effortlessly..
    Plugs back in - dodgy gravity fed fuel tank set up with some new fuel hose and a new filter, and let see if this starts. It tried and tried and tried.. nothing..
    A bit of Aerostart into the airbox and it kicked! A fine adjustment to the choke and it was running! Happy days..
    of course, it would idle roughly, and then stall. It wouldn;t run without the choke, and I was unable to get a rev out of it - which I put down to the carbies being gunked up. At least it goes!

    That's where I am at the moment. I'm currently getting the carbies cleaned and rebuilt, and the fuel tank has been thoroughly de-rusted, cleaned and re-sealed.

    I might be able to get this back on the road with a minimum of fuss.

    Once it's registered and rideable, I'll get a good sense of what I need to do next. New tyres, wheel bearings, brakes, forks, compression tests, valve clearances and some fairing repairs are all on the list of things to do in the next few months.
     
    • Winner Winner x 4
    • Like Like x 3
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2019
  2. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    4,730
    Likes Received:
    2,870
    Trophy Points:
    943
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2014
    Location:
    Sydney NSW
    My Bike:
    FZR250R 3LN6
    Nice. Would suggest looking at the steering head bearings as well.

    If it had the original 3ln6 carbs on it, the needles/tubes should not wear, unlike the previous models.

    Valve clearances are a must on these older bikes, they often get ignored until the valves are so tight there's no compression.
     
  3. Dave Lloyd

    Dave Lloyd Active Member

    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    173
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2019
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Telco Engineer
    Location:
    Grays Point
    My Bike:
    FZR 250R 3LN6 1993
    Thanks for that - yes. Steering head bearings are also on the list..
    Cheers.
     
  4. my67xr

    my67xr Bike Enthusiast Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member

    Messages:
    4,313
    Likes Received:
    2,383
    Trophy Points:
    898
    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2016
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Panel Beater, Spray Painter, Custom Fabricator
    Location:
    Adelaide, South Australia
    My Bike:
    Yamaha's , 1990 FZR250R 3LN3 , 1986 XT250TS 57R , 1984 IT200L 43G, 1976 IT400C 510
    Welcome to the forum
     
  5. GreyImport

    GreyImport Administrator Staff Member The Chief Contributing Member

    Messages:
    10,914
    Likes Received:
    6,709
    Trophy Points:
    1,168
    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Between a Rock and a Hard Place
    Location:
    North by NW NSW Oztralia - Tamworth
    My Bike:
    *Kawasaki ZXR250C *Yamaha FZR250R 3LN1 *Yamaha FZR400 *Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V *Triumph Daytona 675 *Triumph Tiger 800XC
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2019
  6. Dave Lloyd

    Dave Lloyd Active Member

    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    173
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2019
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Telco Engineer
    Location:
    Grays Point
    My Bike:
    FZR 250R 3LN6 1993
    Thanks for the info GreyImport.
    Yes - 3LN6 - Frame and engine serial numbers both match (340248).
     
    • Like Like x 2
    • Winner Winner x 1
  7. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

    Messages:
    6,397
    Likes Received:
    4,786
    Trophy Points:
    1,148
    Joined:
    May 4, 2013
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Retired
    Location:
    Tamworth, NSW
    My Bike:
    1937 Royal Enfield 250, CF Moto 250 V5, Honda's XL250, CBR250, FT500 plus a few others.
  8. maelstrom

    maelstrom LiteTek Staff Member Premium Member 250cc Vendor Contributing Member

    Messages:
    5,102
    Likes Received:
    3,472
    Trophy Points:
    1,148
    Joined:
    Dec 23, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Thailand
    Home Page:
    My Bike:
    Yamaha FZR400 3TJ1, Honda MC22
    • Agree Agree x 1
  9. 2valve

    2valve Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    861
    Likes Received:
    352
    Trophy Points:
    348
    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2016
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Glen Innes Australia
    My Bike:
    1985 Yamaha SRX 250
  10. Andych

    Andych Moderator Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    4,289
    Likes Received:
    2,504
    Trophy Points:
    918
    Joined:
    Oct 6, 2016
    Gender:
    Male
    Location:
    Albury 2641
    My Bike:
    1987 Yamaha SRX250, Honda 1974 SL125 K1, 2022 Triumph Tiger Sport 660
    Welcome to the Forum... It is a really nice feeling when you check for matching numbers and they are... to a large extent that means it hasnt been massively butchered.. unlike some FZR's around.
     
  11. Dave Lloyd

    Dave Lloyd Active Member

    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    173
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2019
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Telco Engineer
    Location:
    Grays Point
    My Bike:
    FZR 250R 3LN6 1993
    Thanks Blair. Yes, that post from Linkins 3LN6 was one of the first posts I read here. Cheers!
     
  12. risky

    risky risky

    Messages:
    4,555
    Likes Received:
    1,177
    Trophy Points:
    923
    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2012
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    risky by name AND actions
    Location:
    newcastle,australia
    My Bike:
    honda ca77, megelli x2,fzr yamaha x 5 ,maxim,cb750.cb600 hornet,zxr250,marusho magnum electra.
    welcome
     
  13. Dave Lloyd

    Dave Lloyd Active Member

    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    173
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2019
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Telco Engineer
    Location:
    Grays Point
    My Bike:
    FZR 250R 3LN6 1993
    I'd welcome some comments regarding these findings..
    It's a single headlight unit. Only one bulb in the rectangular headlight enclosure.. I've seen lots of photos with the rectangular shaped headlight enclosure and two bulbs. Never one.. Has someone had a hack at this? Interestingly, directly behind the single headlight bulb, the vertical steel frame tubing has been cut taken out (badly). I think I just answered my own question there...
    This bike hasn't got a fuel pump. I can see the connections into the wiring harness where it's supposed to go.. Is this an issue on the 3LN6, or should it be ok?

    Thanks! Appreciate all the comments..

    IMG_4387.JPG
     
  14. my67xr

    my67xr Bike Enthusiast Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member

    Messages:
    4,313
    Likes Received:
    2,383
    Trophy Points:
    898
    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2016
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Panel Beater, Spray Painter, Custom Fabricator
    Location:
    Adelaide, South Australia
    My Bike:
    Yamaha's , 1990 FZR250R 3LN3 , 1986 XT250TS 57R , 1984 IT200L 43G, 1976 IT400C 510
    The headlight's were usually swapped out for TDR850 light's, (think 1999 XJ600 are the same also?) they're a direct swap over mounting wise for the original twin projector FZR light's but yes the upper fairing support frame need's trimming.
    I think it might have been an ADR thing ?
    My 3LN3 has had the same thing done
    I would be getting a fuel pump if i was you, you don't want it running lean at high rpm's.
    Some racer's do run their FZR's without the fuel pump's though.
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2019
  15. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    4,730
    Likes Received:
    2,870
    Trophy Points:
    943
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2014
    Location:
    Sydney NSW
    My Bike:
    FZR250R 3LN6
    Single bulb headlight also out of a TRX850.

    Yes it's an ADR thing as the spec is a 55/60W bulb.

    CBR's and ZXR's use 35/60W bulbs so no idea how they slipped through compliance like that.

    Sounds like your front subframe might be a 3LN1 item which has been hacked to fit the later fairing.

    They will gravity feed without a fuel pump, but you won't get the full amount out of reserve.
     
  16. Dave Lloyd

    Dave Lloyd Active Member

    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    173
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2019
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Telco Engineer
    Location:
    Grays Point
    My Bike:
    FZR 250R 3LN6 1993
    Thanks everyone for the continued information. It's great.

    In the past few weeks, the carbies have been totally rebuilt, with new jets, needles, seats and seals throughout. Once back on the bike, it started first go.. Apart from a twitch as soon as you start to rev it, it revs cleanly. I haven't taken it over about 6000 RPM just yet, early days.
    Currently waiting for the fuel tank sealant to dry before I put it all back together and get it registered.
    A couple of notes.
    It starts almost immediately from cold without any choke.. I'm thinking it's running a bit rich :) I might need to wind back the mixture screws a bit.
    Once it's running, cylinder 4 runs a cooler than the others.. I'm yet to do a carby sync or valve clearances. Hopefully that should fix that issue.
    On fuel - what does everyone suggest? Am I going to get any benefit from running 98 Octane in this (98 makes a world of difference in my 20 year old Prado). Would 98 make it run too hot or be detrimental in some other way? I was going to avoid E10 for sure (unless someone tells me otherwise).

    Thanks again guys. Really appreciate the feedback.
     
  17. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

    Messages:
    4,730
    Likes Received:
    2,870
    Trophy Points:
    943
    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2014
    Location:
    Sydney NSW
    My Bike:
    FZR250R 3LN6
    Nope only use 91 no ethanol
     
  18. my67xr

    my67xr Bike Enthusiast Staff Member Premium Member Contributing Member

    Messages:
    4,313
    Likes Received:
    2,383
    Trophy Points:
    898
    Joined:
    Jun 18, 2016
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Panel Beater, Spray Painter, Custom Fabricator
    Location:
    Adelaide, South Australia
    My Bike:
    Yamaha's , 1990 FZR250R 3LN3 , 1986 XT250TS 57R , 1984 IT200L 43G, 1976 IT400C 510
    I run my 1990 FZR250R 3LN3 on 98, i've never had a problem with it.
    I reckon with the engine having 12/1 compression it does help


    What carby kit's are in it now ?
    My 3LN3 with Keysterkit's through the carb's like's to run with the mixture screw's set at 1.75 turn's out, it also need's full choke to start when cold

    A slight hesitation off idle could be the float height's, the factory setting is a baseline, you can go up to 1mm higher or lower
    The float level and mixture screw's are the main thing's when sorting out hesitation's if your plug's, lead's and coil's are good.
    Have you double checked that the fuel level's are sitting at 10,5mm above the line on the outside of the fuel bowl's ?
    Just use some clear pvc hose, slide it over the drain at the bottom of the bowl and run the hose up and over the top of the airfilter.
    Turn the fuel pump on and off a few time's so the bowl's are full, then loosen the fuel bowl drain screw a few turn's
    The fuel will flow into the hose and then you should be able to see how high it get's, measure it against the line across the middle of the fuel bowl.

    3LNcarb06mplopend.jpg
     
  19. Dave Lloyd

    Dave Lloyd Active Member

    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    173
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2019
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Telco Engineer
    Location:
    Grays Point
    My Bike:
    FZR 250R 3LN6 1993
    Thanks guys.
    Great tips about the fuel level. No fuel pump on this FZR.. Will see how I get on.
     
  20. Dave Lloyd

    Dave Lloyd Active Member

    Messages:
    29
    Likes Received:
    16
    Trophy Points:
    173
    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2019
    Gender:
    Male
    Occupation:
    Telco Engineer
    Location:
    Grays Point
    My Bike:
    FZR 250R 3LN6 1993
    Well, It's passed rego!

    IMG_3657.JPG

    Front and rear wheel bearings, and steering head bearings are all good.
    Valve clearances are within spec, so that's great news as well. New tyres and a carby tune / sync coming up later in the week which hopefully fix the rough running issue and the cylinder head temp issue on Cylinder 4.

    So a few questions.. Looking at sourcing a fuel pump for it - original part is 3YX-13907-01-00, and interestingly enough, this comes up as a part from an XJ900 and several Yamaha marine engines.. Anyone had success in obtaining one of these within Australia? Prices vary wildly from near $500 to $90 delivered..
    Also starting to think about the fairings and a windscreen. I've read a lot about the Aliexpress options for custom ABS fairing kits, but do we have any local options? Any tips on that front would be greatly appreciated.
    Cheers.
     
    • Winner Winner x 1

Share This Page